Who do you turn to when you are looking forward to a holiday or getaway? Do you look around online for travel specials and travel packages or do you go through a travel agent who is able to answer your every question and provide you with a wealth of information and travel advice.

I personally only trust a travel agent with my travel arrangements. I find that they are able to sniff out a discounted or special travel package with ease and I always end up paying far less than I originally imagined I would pay. Holiday specials are also much better enjoyed when a travel agent has been able to piece the entire trip together and provide me with a schedule detailing all my travel arrangements and needs.

While the internet is a fabulous way to get more information on destinations and foreign countries, I would never fully trust it for the booking and final arrangment of my holiday. As I look forward to my mid year getaway I know that I will be provided with the very best travel packages and specials available.

At one point in my life I fully believed that travel agents and travel agencies were on the verge of extinction. While the internet flourished and more and more guest houses, hotels, and tour centres became "online booking friendly", many travel agents had to sit back and wait out a time of everyone becoming their own travel agent.

The problem with this concept is that while everyone can log onto the net and research a different country and its activities and accommodation, they have never really been there and had the hands on experience and so could be walking into a definite disaster! The beauty of dealing with a travel agent is that the agent has the hands on experience to advise you on best places to see, areas to avoid and even the best accommodation options, all while staying within your budget.

Despite popular belief, a travel agent or a tour operator can actually save you time and money! I definitely don't go it alone when booking my holidays.... and I have never had a holiday disaster, all thanks to my travel agent!